Popcorn vending machine



March l2, 1940.. J. o. coL'rMAN POPCORN VENDING MACHINE Filed May 18, 1938 5* Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2.

QL L

FIG'.

y INVENTUR MES O. COLTMAN -BYMM/ ATTORNEYS March 12, 1940. J. o. coLTMAN POPCORN VENDING MACHINE Filed May 18, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR JAMES O. COLTMAN RM1/MM ATTORNEYS March l12, 1940. J, o, cQLTM'AN '2,193,392

POPCORN VENDING MACHINE Filed nay 1a, 1938 s sheets-sheet s INVENTOR JAMES O. COLTMAN ATTORNEYS Man-h 12 1940 J. o. coLTMAN I POPCORN VENDING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 1a, 1938 INVENTOR JAMES 0. COLTMAN B "//f ATTORNEY Mardi l2 1940- J. o. coL'rMAN POPCORN VENDING' MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed 'Nay 18. 1938 INVENTOR JAMES O. COLTMAN 5 ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 12, 1940 UNITED lSTATES PATENT OFFICE PoPooRN VENDING MACHINE Application May 1S, 1938. Serial No. 208,667

19 Claims.

This invention relates generally to coin controlled dispensing apparatus and refers more particularly to popcorn vending machines.

It is one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide popcorn dispensing apparatus embodying relatively simple means for effectively popping the raw corn, salting the popcorn subsequent to the popping operation, and dispensing the same. In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus is responsive to the operation ofthe usual coin controlled device for automatically discharging a measured quantity of raw corn into the popper, agitating the corn during the popping operation, eiectively salting the popcorn in timed relation to completion of the popping operation, and dispensing the popcorn in a package previously located lby the operator in a. convenient position.l

Another advantageous feature of the present invention resides in the novel relatively simple inexpensive mechanism provided for effecting the above operations in the proper sequence and in the minimum length of time.

Still another object of the present invention consists in the salter and in the novel means in which the salter is operated in timed relation to the completion of the popping operation to eiTectively distribute the salt over the popcorn.

A further feature of this invention resides in the novel mechanism employed for automatically starting a cycle of operation of the mechanism and for autom-atically stopping this mechanism at the end of the cycle.

A still further advantageous feature of the present invention resides in the novel manner in which the proper quantity. of raw corn is discharged into the popper and in the relatively simple means for eiecting automatic operation of this mechanism,

In addition to the foregoing, the present invention contemplates arranging the driving mechanism and a substantial number of the parts involved on a common support secured to the casing of the apparatus by mountings characterized in that they absorb vibrations and prevent the latter from being transmitted to the outer casing. y

The foregoing, as well as other objects, will be made more apparent as this description proceeds, especially when .considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a front elevational View of a coin .,-controlled popcorn vending device constructed in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure l having the construction removed for the sake of clearness;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the relationship of the two operating cams; f i

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the lineEi 5- of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substan-` tially on the plane indicated by the line 6 6 of Figure 2;

Figure '7 is a sectional view taken substan. tially on the plane indicated 'by the line '1 7 of Figure 6; Y

\ Figure 8 is a sectional View taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line 8 8 of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line 9 9 of Figure 2;

Figure 10 is a side elevational View of the construction shown in Figure 9 illustrating the parts in dierent positions;

Figure l1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the coin controlledr mechanism;

Figures 12 and 13 are respectively fragmentary side elevational views of a part of Figure 11 showing the parts in different positions;

Figure 14 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line M Hl orf Figure 13;

Figurel5 is a fragmentary side elevational View of the popcorn salting device;

Figure 16 is a sectional View taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line IG-IB of Figure 15; and y Figure 17 is a View similar to Figure 8 showing the pepper in its discharge position.

In general, the coin actuated popcorn vending machine selected for the purpose of illustrating the present invention embodies a conven-r tional -coin controlled mechanism `2l) having the usual reciprocable operating bar 2l A:normally urged to its outermost position shown in Figure 1l by means of the spring `122. In accordance with conventional practice, the mechanism 2&1 is

provided with means (not shown) for locking the` moved inwardly by the operator against the action of the spring 22. As the bar 2l is moved inwardly, the coin 23 is deposited in a gravity operated chute 2d and is ultimately dropped into a coin receiving receptacle 25 shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. In addition, inward movement of the bar 2l from the position thereof shown in Figure ll operates a switch 26, shown in Figure 14, to close a circuit to the electric motor 2l. As will be apparent from the following description, the electric motor 2l' is operatively connected to the several instrumentalities of the apparatus and functions to operate these instrumentalities in predetermined timed relationship to perform one complete cycle of operation. During one complete cycle of operation, the following functions are performed in their proper sequence: l. The proper quantity of raw corn is discharged from a hopper 28 into a pepper it where it is thoroughly popped in the presence of the desired oil; 2. After a predetermined interval of operation of the pepper 29, the popcorn is discharged from the latter; 3. The popcorn is salted by a salter Sil before it is dispensed by the operator into a bag 3l which has previously been positioned in a recess 32 conveniently located in one side of a casing 3S for the apparatus; and 4. The switch 2li is automatically operated to open the circuit to the electric motor 2i to thereby discontinue the operations of the instrumentalities provided for accomplishing the foregoing results.

Switch operating mechanism Referring more in detail` to the switch operating means, it will be noted from Figures 1l to 14, inclusive, that a trip 3ft is secured to the inner end of the operating bar 2i for movement with the latter as a unit. The trip Sli is in the form of an L-shaped strip having the short leg secured to the inner end of the bar 2l and having the longer leg fashioned to form a cam 35 engageable with a dog 3B to swing the latter upwardly about its pivotal connection 3'! with a supporting plate 3,8. In Figure ll of the drawings, the free end of the dog 36 is shown as engageable in a notch 39 formed in the periphery of a ratchet wheel il@ and movement of the dog 36 upwardly about the pivot 3l releases the free end of the dog from the first notch 39. As a result, the ratchet wheel 40 is free to rotate about its pivotal connection Ml with t'neplate 38 and this rotative movement is effected in the direction of the arrow l2 by a spring ill. In this connection, it may be pointed out that th-e upper end of the spring il is attached to a lug 4-3 extending laterally from the dog adjacent the free end thereof, and the lower end of the spring is connected to the ratchet wheel Il@ adjacent the periphery of the latter. It may also be pointed out at this time that the lug d3 provides an abutment for engagement with the cam portion 35 of the trip 3d to lift the free end of the dog from the ratchet Wheel lill when the operating bar 2l is moved from the position shown in Figure 11 to the position shown in Figure 12.

It will, of course, be understood from the above construction that liftingof the free end of the dog 36 from the ratchet wheel it tensions the spring il and effects rotation of the ratchet wheel 40 about its pivotal connection it with the plate 38. The extent of rotation of the ratchet wheel 110 in the direction of the arrow l2 is definitely determined by an arm l5 depending from the dog 36 and engageable in a notch i6 formed in the periphery of the ratchet wheel 4B. The arrangement is such that when the dog 36 is swung by the operating bar 2i from the position shown in Figure ll to the position illustrated in Figiue l2, the free end of the arm is moved in a direction toward the periphery of the ratchet wheel it so as to be in a position to engage in the notch l and to stop rotation of the ratchet wheel by the spring 4 I Upon completion of the above operation, the operating bar 2l is returned to its outermost position by the spring 22 and, since the trip 34 is secured to the arm, it follows that this trip is moved to its initial starting position wherein the cam portion 35 of the trip is free from engagement with the dog 35. As a result, the free end of the dog is returned toward the periphery of the ratchet wheel and the free end of the arm d is released from the notch 46 in the ratchet wheel. As soon as the arm 45 is released from the notch yli, the ratchet wheel 4U continues to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow 42 Linder' the action of the spring M until the dog abuts a shoulder dl on the ratchet wheel 4D provided by a second notch d8 in the periphery of the ratchet wheel.

With the above in mind, reference will now be made to Figure ill wherein it will be noted that the switch 26 is mounted on the side of the supporting plate 38 opposite the ratchet wheel 40.

and comprises a stationary contact 49 arranged in one side of the electric circuit to the motor 21 and a movable contact 5B located in the other side of the circuit to the electric motor. The movable contact is carried by the free end of an arm 5l pivoted intermediate the ends thereof, as at iii?, and normally urged to effect engagement of thernovable contact with the fixed contact by means of a spring 52'. The spring 52' is normally prevented from closing the contactsa.

by means of a follower 53 slidably mounted in the switch casing 5ft and having the free end extending through an opening 55 in the plate 38 to a position adjacent the ratchet wheel 40. As

a matter of fact, the free end of the follower 53vv is frictionally urged into engagement with the adjacent side of the ratchet wheel Ml by means of the spring 52 and the length of this follower is such that the movable switch contact is maintained in spaced relationship to the fixed contact 49 so that the circuit to the electric motor 2l is normally open. However, the ratchet wheel 430 is provided with a laterally outwardly struckout portion providing a recess 51 of sufficient depth to receive the free end of the follower 53 and permit the spring 52 to close the switch. The recess 5l is predeterminedly positioned on the ratchet wheel Ml so as to register with the free end of the follower 53 during the interval the ratchet wheel ci! moves from the position thereofv shown in Figure l2 to the position shown in Figure 13. In other words, when the coin controlled operating bar 2l is returned to its outermost position, the circuit to the electric motor 27 is automatically closed by the switch 26. As will be more fully hereinafter set forth, the electric motor 2? drives a shaft 58 at a very reduced speed in a counterclockwise direction indicated in both of Figures 3 and ll by the reference character 59. In the present instance, the shaft 58 makes one complete revolution during the cycle of operation of the apparatus briefly referred to above. One of the several functions of the shaft 5B is to open the switch 2t to the prime mover 2'! upon completion of the dispensing operation and, for

Lil

this purpose, a cam 6D is secured to one end of the shaft 53. The cam 6d assumes the position thereof shown in Figure 11 when the cycle of operation is initially started and, upon completion of the cycle of operation, operates a link 6l to return the vratchet wheel llt to its initial start- 'ing position illustrated in Figure 11. Of course, movement of the ratchet wheel 40 in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 42 effects the movement of the recess 57 relative to the follower 5t required to open the switch 26.

-ln this connection, it will be noted from Figure 14 that the wall E2 of the recess 5l is inclined so as to have a cam action on the free end of the follower 53 to return the latter into engagement with the adjacent plane surface of the ratchet wheel.

Referring now more in detail to the switch opening means, it will be noted that the link lil is provided with an elongated slot 63 in the upper end thereof adapted to slidably receive a fastener element 54 secured to the frame 65, and the lower end of the link is guided in a slot 56 formed in a flange 6l bent laterally from the bottom edge of the plate 38. The link Gl is 4also formed with a shoulder 6?', adjacent the upper end thereof, adapted to be engaged by a lug v58 extending K radially from the cam 6i) when the shaft 5S approaches the end of one complete revolution from the position thereof shown in Figure l1. It fol- -lows from the above that as the shaft 58 is moved throughout the end portion of its travel, the lug 58 engages the shoulder 6l and moves the link 6l downwardly against the action of a spring 'lil having one end connected to the link H and having the opposite end secured to the fastener element 8,4. It will also be observed from Figure l1 that a shoulder li is formed on the linkadjacent the lower end thereof, and this shoulder' is adapted to abut ka radial shoulder l2 formed on the periphery of the ratchet wheel 48. The location of the shoulder 'il is such that when the link @i is moved downwardly, this shoulder assumes a position a-t the underside of the shoulder 'i2 on the ratchet wheel 4l) and in order to insure registration of the shoulder il with'the shoulder l2, a spring 'E3 is provided for normally urging the lower end portion of the link 6| tol,ward the ratchet wheel lill. As shownvin Figures ll to 13, inclusive, one end of the spring 13 is connected to the lower end of the link 6l vand the other end of the spring is connected to the plate 38.

After the link di has been moved downwardly by the cam and the lower end of the link is moved toward the ratchet wheel d@ to locate the shoulder 'il below the shoulder 12, the cam projection 68 releases the link 6 l. As a consequence, the spring 'lll returns the link Si to its uppermost position,

shown in Figure ll and, during this movement, .rocks the ratchet wheel All] back to its position shown in Figure ll. This return movement of .2 during one lcycle of operation of the apparatus. 75"

Upon reference to Figure 3, it will be noted that `theraw corn in the recess 9i assumes the vposition shown in V 3 the drive shaft 15 of the motor has a worm 1s secured thereto, and this worm meshes with a ,worm wheel 'Il xed to a shaft 18 for driving the latter at afreduced speed. The shaft 'F8 is operatively connected to a countershaft 'I9 through the -5 medium of reduction gearing 88 for rotating the countershaft and the latter has a worm 8|' secured thereto for intermeshing engagement with a worm. wheel 32 fixed to a shaft 83. The shaft '83, in turn, has a worm 8d secured thereto, and 10 eneratesthrough one complete cycle.

Hoppcrumt construction y Reference has been made above to thefact that raw corn is discharged from the hopper 28v to the corn popper 29 and the following construction 1s providedv to insure delivering the proper quantity of raw corn to the popper 2a. Upon reference to Figures 2, 9 and l0, it'willbe noted thatthe discharge end of the hopper 28 commumcates with a downwardly extending delivery conduit 35 having a chute 8l for guiding the raw corn into the hopper 29. Located within the 30 delivery conduit lili between the discharge endof thehopper 2E! and the upper end of the chute 3l 1s a transfer valve all comprising a cylinder 89 secured to a revoluble shaft 'Qt vand having a recess Si of vpredetermined capacity therein. The 35 cylinder 89 is rotated by the shaft 9u from a position wherein the recess 9i registers with the outlet opening 92 in the lower end of the hopper 28 to the position shown in Figure 10 wherein falls b cravit o l the chute 8l. As will be presently Eset fortSlL tlltig 40 cylinder 89 is driven from the shaft 58 so as to make one complete revolution during'the cycle of operation of the apparatus. The cylinderig Fi ur start of rotation of 'the shaft 58,gwih9t irre? 45 sult that all of the corn collected in the recess 9i is discharged onto the chute Slduring th'e irlltrval tlhe cylinder passes through one comp e e revo ution from the position there in Figure 9L of Shown (50 Theoutlet opening 92 at the lowerv end of the hopper 28 is restricted by means of a shutter 93 and a guard 95. The shutter Q3 restricts the .width of the opening s2, while the guard e4 isliss' constructed to restrict the length of the opening .92 to the approximate length of the recess 9i "11n the cylinder 89.-

kernels passing through the outlet'opening 92 -are compelled to now into the recess 9i.

As a result, all of the raw further precautionof preventing escape of raw kernels from the hopper 28, the free end of the shutter 93- is provided with a depending flange 95 which extends to a point in close proximity to the periphery of the cylinder 89 and cooper- '65 ates with the solid portion of the cylinder to prevent the escape of kernels therebetween. It

vwillalso be observed from Figure l0 that the' `rear wall 96 of the guard is bent to extend to a point in close proximity to the periphery of theV v70 cylinder 39 so that kernels are prevented from failing directly from the hopper v2s 'to the chute 81. .In addition, the raw kernels deposited in the recess 9i in the cylinder 39 are prevented from falling directlyl onto the chute 87 `by means 175 As arco |44 is compelled to travel along the portion |48'.

rocked in the direction ofthe arrow |53, shownv in Figure 8 of the drawings. )inasmuch as the f rods |36 are secured to the shaft |39, it neces-` sarily follows that these rods are swung upwardly about the axis of the shaft |39, with the result that the popcorn container |25 is locatedin the" position thereof shown in Figure 17 wherein the popcorn is discharged onto the platform lill.l

Salter When the popcorn is deposited on the platform |4|, the same is automatically salted by the salter 30. In the present instance, the Salter comprises a receptacle |52 adapted to contain a quantity of salt and having a downwardly inclined bottom wall |53. Upon reference to Figure l5, it will be noted that the side of the receptacle, adjacent the lower end of the bottom wall |53, is aperturedas at 54 to permit the salt to "be discharged from the receptacle. This aperture is normally closed by means of a plate S55 pivoted to the adjacent side wall of the receptacle in overlapping relationship in the discharge opening 55d. Secured to the upper edge of the plate i 55 is a suitable cup E56 effective upon swinging the plate |55 downwardly to communicate with the interior of the receptacle 'I 52 through the discharge opening |54.

The plate |55 is swung downwardly about its pivotal connection with the receptacle by means of a cam |51 secured to the shaft |39 and havingv a projection S53 engagealole in a notch I 5S formed in a reciprocable bar |65. The bar |53 is slidably supported upon a plate I! and is normally urged in a direction against the action of the cam |51 by means of a spring |62. Upon referencevto Figure l5, it will be noted that one end ofthe spring I E2 is secured to the plate |6| and the 4other end of the spring is secured to the bar will. As a result, when the cam |51 .is rotated in the direction |63, the projection |58 engages in the notch 59 of the bar and moves the latter in a: direction against the action ofthe springlt until the projection `releases the arm, at which time the spring quickly returns the bar to its initial position.

The bar |60 is shown inFigures 15 and 16 as operatively connected to the plate |55 in a manner such that movement of the bar bythe camy lowers the plate |55 to a position wherein'the cup |56 registers with the discharge opening I 54, and movemem-I of the arm in the opposite ,direc- .tion by the spring quickly returns the plate |55 to the position thereof shown in Figure 16. vOf

course, as the plate returns to this latter position, the salt in the cup is thrown out and is scattered over the popcorn supported on the platform IM directly below the salter. The operative connection between the bar |50 and the plate I 55 comprises a bell crank lever |55 pivoted intermediate its ends,`as at |55, on the plate |3I. The arm |61 of the-bell crank has'a slot and pin connection with the bar |60, while the other arm is pivotally connected to the .lower end of a link |58 having the upper end adjustably secured to the plate |55 at a point spaced from its pivotal `manipulation of the control Attention'may also tacle. The length of the slot is predetermined to provide the required swinging movement ofthe plate to. empty the cup. of salt and serves as a stop to limit the extent of movementvof the barr |35 bythe spring. |32.

' projecting from the .adjacent wan of the recep- In `order to insure discharging the salt from the cup.y |53 after the popcorn is depositedon course, rotates in a Idirection opposite to the direction ofthe arrow |63 to locate the projection 158cm registration withthe notch |59. As stated i above,- kthis operation takes place during the interval thecam follower Mt is moving along the portion` Hi8 of the cam groove |153 and when this follower |56 travels along vthe portionIIIB of the vcam vgroove |53 to rotate the shaft |39 in the 'direction of, the arrow |53 to return the popcorn container into the vat, the projection |58 engages in the'I notch |59 to effectoperation of the salter. In other words, the salter is not operated until after thefpopcorn has been deposited on the platforniv` lfil'and the popping container |20 is on 'its'way back to its -initial starting position in the vat `l I3.

' v4Upon completion ofthe above operations, the platform lill may; be swung downwardly by l |1| projecting through the casing 33 ofthe machine. Down-k wardmovement of the platform IM discharges the popcorn on the platform into a funnel |13 which has the lower lend thereof communicating with a bag 3| supported in the recess 32 in the casingl 33. It may-be pointed out at-this time that provision is made to separate any unpopped kernels frornthe popcorn before the platform |4| is operated to discharge the popcorn into the funnel |13. Upon reference to Figure 17,l it will benoted that a grating |15 is arranged beyond the lower edge of the upwardly inclined platform f As the fonower |44, associated with the am mi; travels along the portions ma and 14s' 'of the cam groove |43 to operate the popping container |20 and the Salter, the follower |`,associated with the cam 98, travels along the portion |19 of the cam groove 99. Asl the v'follower IUI) travels along ther portion |19 of the cam 98, it operates to return Vthe cylinder. 83 to its'initial starting The platform MI is inclined in a` di- 'Y position shown in Figure 9 and to also force the l oil pump piston ||3 downwardly in-the cylinder gearing operatively connecting the motor 21 to the drive shaft 58, are all mounted on a common support |33. Asa result, the above parts form a sub-assembly capableof being installed andremoved asa unitfrom'theapparatus. Upon reference toFigure 6, it will be noted that the sup-.

port |35 comprises a platform |3| y and a pair. of side rails E82 extending beyond the inner end of the platform to providefa support for theplate 715 IGI and the supporting brackets |83 for the .shaft |39, shown in Figure 15. The platform |8| is secured to the rails |82 and the latter, in turn, are secured to the casing 33 of the apparatus through the medium of rubber bushings, designated in Figure 7 by the reference character |84. The rubber bushings serve to dampen the vibration oi theoperating mechanism and insulate the mechanism from metallic contact with the casing 33 of the apparatus.

Upon reference to Figure 8, it will be `noted that the vat ||3 is enclosed in a casing |85 and the bottom wall of the vat is spaced above the adjacent wall of the casing |85 a sufficient distance to accommodate the heating element |24. In the present instance, the casing |85 is provided with an extension |86, shown in Figures 2 and l5 as surrounding the platform |4| beneath the salter Sii. In other words, the side walls of the extension E85 -cooperate with the platform IM to form` a container for the popcorn discharged from the popper container |20. It will also be observed from the above figures that the funnel H3 and support |817 for the waste container Vl? are formed integral with the extension |35. y is such that the casing |85 and extension |86 may be formed by a stamping operation, and this is desirable in that it offers the possibility of not only minimizing the number of parts, but reducing the cost of manufacture as Well.

` Operation The operator places a coin 123 in the slot provided therefor in the mechanism 2|) and pushes the operating bar 2| inwardly against the action of the spring 22. As previously stated, movement of the operating bar 2| inwardly from the position thereof shown in Figure ll to the position designated in Figure l2 operates the switch 26 in Figure 14 to close the circuit to the electric motor 2l shown in Figure 3. Through several sets Vof reduction gearing, the electric motor 2l rotates the cams S8 and |52 one complete revolution from the positions thereof shown in Figure 4.

AWhile the cams are identical in construction,

nevertheless, they are out of phase with one another so that the cam 98 operates initially to rotate the valve cylinder 89 in Figure 9 to discharge the proper amount of raw kernels into the popper .container |28 shown in Figure 8. At the same time, the cam |26 is rotated to reciprocate the popper container |20 during the interval the raw corn is popped by the heated oil in the bottom of the vat H3.

At thev termination of the popping operation, the cam |42 operates to move the popping container to the position thereof shown .in Figure 17, at which time the door |40 opens and the -popcorn is discharged onto the platform Utl. reference to Figure 15, it will be noted that during the operation of the cam |42 to tilt the -popper container |20 to the position shown in Figure 17, the cam E51' is rocked in a direction opposite the direction of the arrow |53 to locate `the projection |58 on the cam in registration with the notch |59 on the reciprocable bar |501. The cam Sii then performs yits second phase of operation by returning the cylinder 89 of the valve 88 to its initial starting position shown in Figure 9 and also operates the pump I4 shown in Figure 2 to replenish the supply of oil in the vat H3. The cam |152, on the other han-cl, performs its second phase of operation which includes returning the poper container EN to its initial position in the vat H3 and rotates the cam |51 in Figure 15 in As a matter of fact, the construction Upon .the direction of the arrow |63 to move the cup |55 on the salter in registration with the discharge opening |54. As stated above, movement of the bar |60 in a direction to effect the above operation tensions the spring |52 and, as soon as the projection |58 on the cam |53' releases from the notch |59, the bar is quickly returned to the position thereof shown in Figure l5 and the salt in the cup |56 is distributed over the popcorn on the platform Mi. This is accomplished as the cam M2 returns to its position shown in `Figure 4 and, during this interval, the cam 98 moves the piston H6 in the pump cylinder Hl upvvardlg7 to-draw any excess oil in the vat back4 into the supply chamber Hic. During the above series of operations, the cam |50 on the shaft 5B moves the link 5| in Figure ll downwardly and operates the switch 26 to open the circuit to the electric motor 2l. v

What I claim as my invention is:

l. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a cup adapted to contain a quantity of a granular substance and movable from an upright position to a discharge position, means for moving the cup from the upright position to the discharge position at a relatively fast rate, and a positive stop arranged to arrest movement of the cup in the discharge position thereof and effective to cause a discharge of the granular substance from the cup in the form of a spray.

2. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a receptacle adapted to contain a granular substance and having a discharge opening in one side wall through which the substance is adapted to flow, a cup located to receive a quantity of the granular substance flowing through said discharge opening, and means for actuating the cup to distribute the granular substance therein over the popcorn.

3. i popcorn dispensing apparatus, a plattform adapted to` support the popcorn, a receptacle adapted to contain a granular substance and having a discharge opening in one side wall through which the granular substance is adapted to flow, a pivotally supported cup located to receive a quantity of the granular substance flowing through said discharge opening and movable from the latter position to a discharge position, means for moving said cup at a relatively fast rate to the discharge position thereof. and a positive stop for arresting the cup in the discharge position and effective to cause a discharge of the granular substance in the form of a spray over the popcorn on the platform.

4. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, means for popping raw corn including a. container for the corn, means effective upon completion of the popping operation to move the container to ay position wherein the popcorn is discharged from the container onto a platform, means for returng the container to its initial position. means operable in timed relation to returning the container to its initial position for distributing salt over the popcorn on the platform, and power driven cam means effective to control the operation of each of the aforesaid means in predetermined timed relationship.

5. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, means for popping raw corn including a container adapted to receive the corn and supported `for swinging movement to a position wherein the popcorn is discharged from the container onto a platform, means for swinging the container to the discharge position thereof, means for returning the container to its initial position, a Salter, and power driven cam means operatingl in timed relation to movement of the container to its initial position to actuate said salter and distribute a quan-v tity of salt over the popcorn on the platform.

6. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a receptacle adapted to contain a granular substance and having a discharge opening in one side wall through which the substance is adapted to flow, a plate normally closing the discharge opening and supported for swinging movement in adirection to open said opening, a cup movable by the plate and adapted to assume a position in registration with the discharge opening when said plate is swung to a position wherein the dis-- charge opening is open, means for moving said plate to its closed position in timed relation to lling of the cup with the granular substance, and means for positively stopping movement of the plate to the last named position and effective to cause the discharge ci the granular substance from' the cup in the form of a spray,

7. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a receptacle adapted to contain a granular substance and having a discharge opening in one wall through which the substance is adapted to flow, a plate normally closing the discharge opening and supported for swinging movement to a position wherein the discharge opening is open, a cup supported on said plate in a position predetermined to register with the discharge opening when the latter is opened by the plate, means for moving the plate ata relatively fast rate to its closed position, and means for abruptly interrupting said movement and thereby causingthe granular substance in the cup to be discharged from the cup in the form of a spray.

8. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a cup adapted to receive a supply of a granular substance and supported for swinging movement from a discharge position to an upright position, means for actuating the cup including a reciprocable bar operatively connected to the cup, a cam engageable with the bar to move the latter in a direction to swing the cup to its upright position and then releasable from the bar, and a spring eiective when the cam releases the 'bar to move the bar in the opposite direction at a relatively fast rate and to swing the cup to its discharge position, and a positive stop arresting swinging movement vof the cup to its discharge position in a manner to effect discharge of the granular substance from the cup in the form of a spray.

9. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, means for popping raw corn including a container adapted to receive the corn, a rockshaft operatively connected to the container for swinging the latter to a position wherein the popcorn is discharged from the container on a platform, a cup adapted to contain a supply of a granular substance and supported for swinging movement from a discharge position to an upright position, means for discharging the granular substance into the cup when the latter is in its upright position, means for actuating the cup including a reciprocable bar operatively connected to the cup, means on said rockshaft eiective to move the bar in a direction to move the cup to its upright position when the container is returned by the shaft to its initial position and to release the bar during the nal movement of the container to its initial position, a spring effective to move the bar in the opposite direction at a relatively fast rate to swing the cup to its discharge position, and a positive stop abruptly arresting movement or" thecup by the spring and eiective to cause a discharge of the granular substance from the cup in the form of a spray over the popcorn on the platform.

tacle adapted to contain a granular substance and having a discharge opening in one side wall through 'which the substance is adapted to flow, a valve plate normally closing the discharge opening and supported for swinging movement to a position wherein the discharge opening is open, a cup secured to the valve plate in a manner to assume. an upright position in registration with the discharge opening when the valve plate is swung to a position wherein said opening is open, means for actuating the valve plate including a reciprocable bar operatively connected to the valve plate, means for moving the bar in a direction to swing the valve plate to' aposition wherein the cup registers with the discharge opening and to subsequently release the bar, a spring responsive to releasing of the bar by said means to move the latter at a relatively fast rate in a direction to swing the valve plate to a position wherein the discharge opening is closed thereby and to a position wherein the cup is tilted with respect to its upright position, and a positive stop abruptly arresting movement of the plate to its closed position and effective to cause a discharge of the granular substance 'from the cup in the form of a spray.

ll. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, means for popping raw corn including a container adapted to receive the corn and movable from a popping position to a position wherein the corn is discharged onto a platform, a salter adapted to distribute salt over the popcorn on the platform, a power driven cam effective to move the popping container to the discharge position thereoi?, and means also actuated4 by said, cam for operating the salter. i

l2. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a ratchet wheel supported for rotative movement in opposite directions, means normally urging the ratchet wheel in one direction, a pawl engageable in a notch formed in the periphery of the wheel preventing rotation of the ratchet wheel by said means, coin controlled means yeffective to move the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet Wheel and permit movement of the ratchet wheel by said rst named' means, means engageable with the ratchet wheel to limit rotative movement thereof in said iirst named direction, means for releasing the limiting means from the ratchet wheel to permit continued rotation of thev wheel in said rst mentioned direction, means responsive to releasing the ratchet wheel by said limiting means to stop further movement of the ratchet wheel in the rst mentioned direction, and a switch located in an electric circuit and operated by said ratchet wheel.

13. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a ratchet wheel revoluble in opposite directions, a pawl engaging in a notch in theperiphery of the wheel preventing rotation of Asaid wheel in one direction, a spring between the pawl and wheel normally urging the wheel in the above named direction, a coin ucontrolled member effective upon movement in one direction to release the pawl and permit rotation of the wheel in the aforesaid direction, means engageable with the ratchet ment of the coin controlled member in the opposite direction to permit continued rotation of the 10. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a recepratchet wheel in saidrst named direction, means by the wheel during said continued rotation to 8 aieaeoa close the electric circuit, and means operating in predetermined timed relation to closing of the switch to automatically rotate the wheel in the opposite direction toits initial position and open the switch.

14. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a ratchet wheel lrevolublc in opposite directions, a pawl engageable in a notch in the periphery of the wheel to prevent rotation of said wheel in one direction, a spring connecting the wheel and pawl tending to rotate the wheel in the iirst named direction, a coin controlled member movable in one direction to disengage the pawl from the Wheel and permit rotation of the wheel under the action of the spring in said first named direction, means engageable with the wheel to limit rotation the-reciC in said rst named direction and releasabie upon movement of the coin controlled member in the opposite direction to permit continued rotation of the ratchet wheel, means on the wheel engageable with the pawl to limit said continued rotation of the wheel, a switch arranged in an electric circuit and normally maintained open by the wheel, and means on said wheel effective during the continued rotation thereof to permit closing of the switch.

15. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a ratchet wheel revoluble in opposite directions, a pawl engageable in a notch in the periphery of the wheel to prevent rotation of said wheel in one direction, a spring connecting the wheel and pawl tending to rotate the wheel in the rst named direction, a coin controlled member movable in one direction to disengage the pawl from the wheel and permit rotation of the wheel under the action of the spring in said first named direction, means engageable with the wheel to limit rotation thereof in said nrst named direction and releasable upon movement of the coin controlled member in the opposite direction Ato permit continued rotation of the ratchet wheel, means on the wheel engageable with the pawl to limit said continued rotation of the wheel, a switch arranged in an electric circuit and normally maintained open by the wlieei, means on said wheel effective during the continued rotation thereof to permit closing of the switch, and means operating in predetermined timed relationship to closing of the switch to rotate the ratchet wheel to its initial position and to open said switch.

16. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, means for popping raw corn including a container adapted to receive the raw corn and movable in opposite directions to agitato the corn, means for moving the container to a position wherein the corn is discharged from the container, a platform located to receive the popcorn discharged from the container, means associated with the platform to separate any raw kernels from the popcorn, and means for tilting ther platform to discharge the popcorn.

17. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a receptacle adapted to contain a granular substance and having a discharge opening in one wall through which the substance is adapted to flow, means normally closing the discharge opening and movs able to a position wherein said opening is open, and a cup responsive tol movement of said means to open the discharge opening to collect the granular substance flowing from the opening and operable upon movement of the means to close said opening to discharge the granular substance therefrom.

18. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, a receptacle adapted to contain a granular substance and having a discharge opening in one wall through which the substance is adapted to ilow, means normally closing the discharge opening and movable to a position wherein said opening is open, a cup responsive to movement of said means to open the discharge opening to collect the granular substance fiowing rom the opening and operable upon movement of the means to close said opening to discharge the granular substance therefrom, means ciecting movement oi the cup to its discharge position ata relatively fast rate, and a positive stop interrupting movement of the cup to the last named position providing for discharging the substance therefrom in the form of a spray.

19. In popcorn dispensing apparatus, means for popping raw corn including a container adapted to receive a quantity of raw corn, means for moving the container to a position wherein the popped corn is discharged therefrom, a pivotally mounted cup adapted to contain a supply of granular substance, and means operating in timed relation to movement of the container to discharge the popped corn to swing the cup to a position wherein the contents thereof are distributed over the popped corn.

JAMES O. COLTMAN. 

